Arthur Seaton, a Nottingham factory worker, lives for drink and women. "What I want", he says, "is a good time. All the rest is propaganda." Arthur has a passionate affair with Brenda and while it is in full swing he picks up Doreen. But the end of the affair with Brenda is a signal for Arthur to take stock; the "Saturday night" of his life is drawing to a close and he has to face his own "Sunday morning."